Me-thinks I'm on the computer too much.

So. We were doing school last week... reading a book with our sound of the week - 'SH'.

Turns out the book we were reading was full of lots of 's' blends, so we wrote them all down on our marker board, in black ink.

The "sh"s in red and the "s" everything elses in blue.

After we read the book we went back through our list and I asked Dale to think of his own words for each blend.

When I said, "name something that starts with "SMMMMM", Dale said:

For those of you that can't read my fabulous handwriting, or don't read as many (fabulous) blogs as I do, that's "Smmmmockity".

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to turn off my computer. ;)

Look!

My blogger friend Mom to Five Kids gave me TWO blog awards! Wow! Thanks so much!

The rules of this award are:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

Ok, so... here's the deal. There are lots of blogs I *heart*, but to nominate 7? Seven?!
I'm not sure I can even nominte 1. I'll think it over and get back to you. Watch this space for updates. ;) And in the meantime, check out the "Places I Roam" on my sidebar.

And then....
Here are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator (it's right on the award)
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must choose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself.
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award (see below.)
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human).
2. Must love one another.
3. Must make mistakes.
4. Must learn from others.
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world.
6. Must love life.
7. Must love kids.

Wow! That's a lotta rules! Again, not sure I have that many blog friends to pass along to... but they're all in my sidebar. And I've already plagued them with several memes. So again, I encourage you to follow some of those links! :)

So... I hope that by not following the rules I don't forfeit the awards. 'Cuz I really like them. :)
Thanks so much Momto5 for passing them along to me and your kind words that accompanied them! :)

Tumbling for all seasons

Last night Dale asked me to show him how to do a somersault.

So I, in all my long-legged non-gymnastic gracefulness, demonstrated. And then I helped Dale through one.

He sat up, pleased with his results.

He only paused a moment, and then, "Now. Show me how to do a winter-sault."

Praise Him, Praise Him! ... and please pass the gravy

I have been extremely blessed to always have a piano in my home, both as a little girl, and all of my married life. (That's not it in the above pic, by the way) ;)

I have a feeling there are many who would love a piano and don't have one, and I don't want to take it for granted. Of course, those poor men in our family who had to move that piano 5 times in 3 years probably didn't consider it a blessing, but I still thank them for lending their muscles. :) And being so careful! Not much stresses me more than seeing a piano being moved. I can never watch.

I'm in no way a "Pianist" or anything. I play enough to get by, and more for my own enjoyment than anything else.

I like to sit down and the piano and flip through my old hymnal, playing what appeals to me at the time.

Sometimes I like to play fast and loud, just letting the mistakes fly. Songs like When We All Get to Heaven, and Count Your Blessings. Or if the boys are around, Deep & Wide.

Other times I'll pick a key and actually try to improve my playing. Crazy idea, I know. At least my musician husband tells me so. ;)

Sometimes I can talk to God by playing piano better than in any other way. Many godly people have so eloquently put into words what I can only feel in my heart. I love to sing those songs to God, and to hear what He might say to me through them. My own private little worship time.

Sometimes I play piano as a time filler. Waiting on time to go somewhere, or when I should be doing something else. It's a great way to spend a little energy before moving on to the next thing.

And sometimes, I kid you not, I'll be right in the middle of a hymn and think of creamed corn.

Apparently when I was a kid I thought as much about the upcoming Sunday lunch at my grandparents as I did about singing. Some hymns have also brought up thoughts of mashed potatoes.

What can I say? I'm a spiritual chick. ;)

"...to be content."

Still in the hospital, but I have a few moments with access to a server that doesn't block blogger, and I wanted to do a quick post to tell you about Dale.

On Monday of last week, the beginning of Kindergarten Week Three, Dale and I began his character trait of the week: Being Content.

But this isn't a homeschool post. See - on Tuesday of last week Alan was admitted to the hospital.

It didn't take long to realize this admission would include .... Dale's birthday.

Dale realized it too. One day at home he asked Greg, "Daddy will it be just you and me for my party?" Greg assured him, no, we had a plan for that.

And we did have a plan.

We moved the party to Alan's room.

And we all had a blast. And Dale never once complained. His attitude was a beautiful example of contentment. Even when we had to skip the candles to avoid setting off fire alarms. Good trade off, don'tcha think?

So even though we missed "lesssons" 2, 3, & 4 on contentment, I believe Dale's shown enough to get an "A+" on this one! :)

"...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phillipians 4:11

Heart of the Matter Friday Meme

The Heart of the Matter's Friday meme this week is what we'll be using this fall.Since I've already posted in detail, I'm just posting a list here and providing links to my earlier posts.

Kindergarten:

Bible/Character Study - Hubbard's Cupboard Character, Child's Book of Character Building

Math - Various workbooks, manipulatives, computer games, & life!

Science/Social Studies - Five in a Row

Handwriting - Copywork, tracer pages

To see more detail about how we are using these things or the links I've provided with them, please visit these posts:

Kindergarten, Part I

Kindergarten, Part II

I can't wait to see what all is posted in this week's meme. I'm hoping to get a few ideas for the years ahead. To take a look yourself, click HERE.

Hi everyone. Wanted to pop in and let everyone know the blog may be quiet for a few days. Alan is in the hospital - again.

We went for the longest break ever without going in, and then he woke up at 2:15am Tuesday with a fever. Which, for us, means get to the nearest ER asap.

He is doing great now, but we will still be in the hospital a few days. And as I've mentioned before, the hospital server blocks blogger. Yeesh! What am I going to do all day? I'm so kidding. Sort of. ;)

Oh, and thanks to those of you that asked for my meatloaf recipe. You make me feel like a real cook. ;) Anyway, I think I know it from memory, but I wanted to wait and actually make it this week before I posted it. Just to make sure it was good, lol. So much for that.

I'll be sure and post it 'for real' when I get back, but for now here it is, roughly:

ground beef (1 poundish)
1 egg
grated carrot
chopped onion
chopped bell pepper, if you can afford it (do you remember when these were 3 for $1!?)
salt & pepper

Mush it all together, plop in the crock pot and cook it for a few hours.

Sorry. That's the best I can do from the GI floor. I left my crockpot at home. ;)